Roll-up garage doors have many benefits but can develop common problems. While most often used for businesses, they’re also found in some residential applications. These doors have several pros and cons. Property owners often prefer them because they save space and are strong, durable, secure, and well-insulated. However, significant issues can occur. If you’re considering a roll-up garage door or already have one, the following are common problems you should know about.

Loss of Power

Like any automatic garage door, a roll-up model requires a power source to open and close. It won’t work if there’s a loss of power. A power outage in your neighborhood can be one reason for this. If the problem is from the utility grid, you’ll have to wait until power is restored or your emergency generator kicks in.

However, if the issue is isolated to your home, here are some possible causes and solutions:

• Tripped Circuit Breaker: An overloaded circuit or problem with the garage door opener can cause the breaker to trip. Resetting the breaker switch at the panel should fix the problem. If not, unplug other devices on the circuit or call an electrician to troubleshoot and fix the issue.
• The Opener Is Unplugged: Check if the power plug for the garage door opener is plugged in. If it’s unplugged or the plug is not secure, insert it into the socket and try operating the door again.
• Switch/Wiring Problem: A defective wall switch or faulty wiring can prevent your roll-up garage door from working correctly. Wiring or other electrical issues should be handled only by an experienced professional.

Obstructions

Any type of obstruction anywhere in the garage door system can prevent it from working. Most people think of an obstruction as a large object or debris blocking the door. However, dust, dirt, and grime can be just as disruptive, especially if they build up on the rollers or in the tracks. 

If you can reach it, wipe away any grime and loose material with a damp rag. You can try using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment for a larger buildup. But if the material is hard to remove or getting to it requires disassembly, call a professional to inspect, clean, and, if necessary, repair the unit.

Missing Safety Edge

Designed to detect obstructions via specialized sensors, the safety edge can reverse the door while it’s closing to avoid injuries and property damage. A safety edge is a common feature of a commercial roll-up garage door. If it is missing or damaged, the door may stop working, or it can become a safety hazard and damage anything in its path (or be damaged in the process).

Parts and Components Have Worn Out

A roll-up garage door has many components that can wear out as they age. Therefore, wear-related issues are common. If one small component fails, the door may not open properly or it may stop working altogether. Some of the most common parts of the system that may need replacement include:

• Torsion Springs: Depending on the spring, it can last as many as 50,000 cycles. Springs wear out with use, but humidity and other environmental conditions can lead to rust.
• End Bearing Plates: These plates support the weight of the spring and door, but they can wear out and start to grind. This causes noise, and the plates can bind up, throwing the door out of alignment and preventing it from moving.
• Photo Eye Sensors: If the receiver isn’t getting the signal from the transmitter, your garage door won’t open or close. This can happen because a sensor is obstructed, the photo eyes are out of alignment, or the door isn’t level.

High Spring Tension

A roll-up garage door won’t work properly if the spring tension doesn’t meet the required specifications. The spring is also at a higher risk of breaking. Too high a tension setting makes the door harder to close, but it will be easier to open. Low tension makes it easier to close the door and more difficult to open it. 

Adjusting the springs can be dangerous. If you suspect incorrect spring tension is causing your garage door problems, call a professional to calibrate or replace your springs safely.

Bad Spring or Cable

If there’s a spring or cable problem, the door will struggle to stay open. Check if a spring is stretched or has a gap, or if a cable is frayed or broken; if so, it must be replaced. Garage door spring and cable replacement must be performed by a professional, who can complete the repair safely and quickly.

Misalignments

A misaligned track, hood, or fascia can cause the door to scrape against the guides. This can strip paint off the panels or cause more severe damage. A corroded track can cause a garage door to become misaligned. Meanwhile, misaligned tracks can damage the curtain or cause excess strain that burns out the motor. If you believe any part of your garage door is misaligned, call a professional before there’s costly damage.

Jammed or Failed Motor

The motor in the garage door opener is a complex mechanism. If it completely fails, the door won’t work at all. However, a range of other issues are possible. Call for help if the motor makes strange noises or causes the door to move more slowly, faster, or in a jerky motion. If there’s a delay or no response when you use the wall switch or remote, the motor may be out of sync with the door or on the brink of failure.

Before you call a repair company, try to troubleshoot the issue by turning off the door and power supply. Then you can inspect the motor for obvious issues. Your findings can help a technician more quickly diagnose the problem. Or, they can isolate the issue to a different component such as a malfunctioning sensor or faulty wire.

Improper Installation

If there’s an installation issue, a roll-up garage door may not run smoothly. It can also be noisy or become misaligned. Poor quality installation often means the door isn’t properly secured to the frame or track. Over time, this can cause it to loosen or shift. The door will become more difficult to operate and major damage may require costly repairs or a replacement.

Can I Adjust a Roll-Up Garage Door?

Roll-up doors may need adjustment for many reasons. First, you have to identify the issue, which may be an uneven panel, misaligned track, or worn-out part. Adjusting the door system requires various tools and supplies, depending on the problem and the parts needed. Some adjustments entail just tightening screws or bolts. However, others aren’t so straightforward and require advanced skills and knowledge.

How Long Does It Take to Fix a Roll-Up Door?

Most roll-up door repairs take a few hours. Without a professional, the process can take longer and you risk costly and time-consuming mistakes. If you’re not familiar with fixing issues such as a door off the track, a broken spring, or a faulty garage door opener connection (or have the proper tools), contact a repair professional.

What If My Roll-Up Garage Door Doesn’t Work?

If the door stops working, troubleshoot the issue by checking the power connections and circuit breaker. Also, look for damage such as a broken spring or bent track. A stuck door can prevent you from getting in or out of your garage. Use the emergency release rope and pull the handle if this is the case. Once the motor is disengaged, you should be able to lift the door manually.

Contact Us for Roll-Up Garage Door Repairs

At Mesa Garage Doors, our skilled professionals can fix any problem. They’re familiar with all types of garage doors and their components. Roll-up garage doors can be more challenging to repair than other models, but our team can promptly and efficiently troubleshoot and resolve any issue. We serve customers in Los Angeles and Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and Ventura County. To request a repair service, book your appointment online or call (800) 893-1107 today.

 

Garage door lubrication helps the system run smoothly and reduces wear and tear. In this article, we’ll provide maintenance tips for lubricating your garage door. This should be done at least once or twice a year (a professional can take care of it during routine annual or semi-annual maintenance). The system can even be lubricated more frequently if you think it’s necessary, such as when the door becomes noisy or starts to slow up.

Proper maintenance can add years to your garage door’s life and save on repair costs. The following garage door lubrication tips should help you realize its benefits:

1. Check Your Garage Door System First

Before adding lubricant to your garage door system, check for any issues. This provides the opportunity to find loose nuts or bolts to tighten. Worn parts such as rollers and hinges can cause your garage door to perform erratically. If you hear slapping sounds, the garage door opener chain may be loose. Call a technician if any problem requires repairing or replacing any components.

2. Choose the Right Type of Lubricant

Not all lubricants are ideal for garage doors. People often ask about using WD-40, but it’s more of a cleaning agent than a lubricant. It can help remove rust, oils, and buildup from garage door tracks but also ruins the grease that’s already there. It also makes the system more susceptible to dirt buildup. And, since WD-40 breaks down chemical bonds in metal to remove rust, it can damage garage door parts.

That being said, the best compounds for garage door lubrication include:

• White Lithium Grease: Made of soap and oil, white lithium grease works well with metal and is non-corrosive. It’s also easy to spread evenly by hand. This can be messy, but there’s another option if this isn’t for you.
• Silicone Sprays: A silicone spray product typically comes in a can with a thin straw attachment. The attachment helps get the lubricant into small spaces. In addition to being long-lasting, the compound tolerates a wide temperature range.

3. Clean the Garage Door Tracks

Make sure the tracks are clean so the rollers move smoothly. You can use a vacuum cleaner with an attachment to remove dust or large debris. If any dirt remains, wipe it away with a damp rag. Stubborn debris can be loosened and removed with an automotive brake cleaner. If you think it’s necessary, apply a small amount of lithium-based grease or silicone lubricant with a putty knife (but use it only sparingly).

4. Know What Parts to Lubricate

Certain garage door components benefit most from lubrication, especially those that move or contact other parts. Lubricating the following will help your garage door run more smoothly.

• Hinges and Rollers: To access the hinges, open the garage door manually (by disconnecting it from the opener via the release cord). As you lift the door, spray or wipe the hinges between each section. Ideally, you should have someone help lift the door while you apply the grease. Use the straw attachment to lubricate the ball bearings in the rollers.
• Springs: Most garage doors have springs installed along the top. Use a step ladder to reach them and apply lithium grease (WD-40 makes such a product designed for use with garage doors). You can spray the springs directly or wipe them down using a rag to spread the grease evenly. If a spring is bent or has a gap, call a professional to replace it.
• Bearing Plates: The circular bearing plates are at the ends of the pole to which the torsion springs are attached. Therefore, they are easy to reach while lubricating the springs. The bearing plates can be sprayed or wiped down. 
• Top Rail: Find the top rail, which runs parallel to the ceiling inside the garage, and use a stepladder to reach it. The garage door opener chain moves along this rail. The best way to lubricate the top rail is to spray grease directly on it.
• Arm Bar: Next, locate the armbar, which connects the top rail and garage door. To improve system operation, it can be sprayed or wiped with grease.
• Door Lock: Apply lubricant directly to the garage door lock. This prevents it from rusting. You’ll also find it easier to lock and unlock the door as you leave and return home.
• Chain/Belt Drive: Garage door openers with chain or belt drives must be lubricated regularly. Otherwise, they can rust and malfunction. Apply white lithium grease directly to the chain or belt and then turn on the opener. As it runs, the grease will be evenly distributed.

5. Identify Any Other Sources of Noise

Garage door lubrication doesn’t always stop noise or other issues. If it still squeaks or makes other loud noises, the door may need to be repaired or replaced. A rubbing sound can mean you have a bent garage door track. Rattling sounds are typically caused by loose parts, while a squeaking sound can mean the hinges or rollers have worn out. The door may also shake as it opens or closes. Dirty bearings will cause rollers to wear out faster; they can be cleaned and oiled, but worn-out bearings must be replaced.

Noise can sometimes be addressed by tightening or adjusting garage door parts. It can also originate from the garage door opener. Belt drive openers are quieter than chain drive models, so, it might be worth considering a replacement. If your garage door opener is relatively new and noisy, call a professional to look at it. Do not attempt a DIY repair, as it can result in injuries, more damage, or voiding your warranty.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

Mesa Garage Doors is the premier residential garage door company in Southern California. We install a wide range of garage door styles and provide repair services. Our experienced team can resolve any issue. If you have questions about garage door lubrication or need to schedule repairs or maintenance, request your estimate or book service online. Call (800) 893-1107 to speak with us directly.

Garage door painting, plus other considerations (like the type of garage entry door to install), can impact your home’s function and curb appeal. Many garage doors need a fresh coat of paint every few years. It not only looks good but can also protect the door. Whether you’ve never painted a garage door or it’s been a while since you last did, here are 14 garage door painting tips to help you along.

1. Move Your Vehicle Outside: It doesn’t directly affect the paint job, but you should move your car and other items out of the garage. Decluttering the space protects valuables from stray paint droplets and gives you more room to work.
2. Wait Until a Cool Day: When planning to paint your garage door, check the weather forecast. A temperature between 50℉ and 75℉ is best for painting. Also, plan the project for a three-day window when there’s low humidity, and try to time it for when you can work out of direct sunlight.
3. Prep the Garage Door: Wear work gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask. Use a wire brush to remove any rust. Then use fine-grit sandpaper to sand any rough areas. This will create a smooth base to work with when you start garage door painting.
4. Clean the Garage Door: The best paint job is on a clean, smooth surface. To clean your garage door, use a sponge or cloth that’s been soaked in warm soapy water. You can then rinse the surface clean with a garden hose. Avoid using a pressure washer. Using clean towels or rags, dry the garage door and wait an hour for it to air dry.
5. Protect Anything You Don’t Want Paint On: Place drop cloths under the door to avoid getting paint on the floor or your driveway. To protect doors, you can use masking tape and paper to create a type of awning. To protect windows, trims, locks, and handles, you can use heavy-duty painter’s tape.
6. Set the Garage Door in Manual Mode: Disconnect the door from the electric garage door opener. You can then move the door manually, raising and lowering it as needed to avoid straining yourself while painting. 
7. Find a Paint Primer Suited for the Material: Check the product label for details on the material it’s suited for. Use an exterior paint primer. When priming inset panels, use a 2-inch paintbrush with nylon bristles. The stiles can then be primed using the brush or a ¾-inch roller. Paint the trim last. 
8. Work from Bottom to Top: Now that your door is in manual mode, you can start painting it from the bottom, starting with the inner panels and working outward. Lower the door as you go, until you reach the top portion.
9. Purchase a Protective Paint: A garage door paint that is UV-, rust-, and moisture-resistant will last longer, making your effort worth it.
10. Consider Using a Spray Paint: Spray painting your garage door is a faster process. It also makes it easier to reach tight areas, which can be more challenging with rollers and brushes. When spray painting a garage door, go from left to right, then up and down. Use a small or medium brush to paint the trim.
11. Let the Door Dry in the Lifted Position: Once the door is fully coated, lift it so it’s facing toward the ceiling. This protects wet paint from insects and speeds up the drying process. But first, make sure the ceiling is free of dirt and dust.
12. Fill in the Gaps: To be as thorough as possible, fill in the gaps after the paint dries. To paint the gaps between each section, lower the door section by section to access one space at a time. When the seam is open, you can paint between the segments and leave the door partially open until these areas dry.
13. Wait at Least 12 Hours to Apply a Second Coat: If the paint is uneven or the old color is showing through, let the first coat dry for 12 hours and then apply a second coat. Remove any tape you applied and let the paint dry overnight.
14. Use an Oil-Based Primer and Paint for Aluminum Garage Doors: Wooden garage doors are easier to paint. Since steel and aluminum doors are already coated, paint jobs need to be redone every few years. An oil-based primer and paint should be used. While more difficult to clean up, the paint can help match a repainting job on your home’s exterior, add a contrasting color, or replace a worn baked enamel or powder coat.

Schedule Garage Door Repair or a Free Estimate

Mesa Garage Doors installs and repairs garage doors in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Factory-trained, our technicians can provide any garage door service you need. For a free repair estimate, advice, or more information on garage door painting, call (800) 893-1107 or email us at info@mesagaragedoors.com. 

Homeowners often ask if windows can be installed in their existing garage door. Replacing a modern garage door system can be expensive, so this is an interesting question. But yes, you can install garage door windows in your existing door. They’re one of the best custom garage door features you can add.

Garage door windows have a visual appeal that makes them popular. They can help boost the curb appeal of your home and let natural light into your garage (providing warmth and brightness that reduces reliance on electric heating and lighting). But if your garage door doesn’t have windows, how do you enjoy these benefits?

Considerations for Installing Windows in Your Garage Door

If you are thinking of retrofitting your existing garage door with windows, here are some of the most important factors to consider:

• The Type/Brand/Dimensions of the Door: Windows are a common feature on Victorian, Georgian, Colonial, Edwardian, and some contemporary garage doors. The brand of garage door is important. Windows are more suited for some door makes and models than others. Depending on the brand, dimensions, thickness, and features like embossed motifs or deep grooves, you may not be able to install windows in the door.
• Window Placement: Think about why you’re installing windows on your garage door. Windows on the upper section let in plenty of daylight but also maintain security. It’s much harder for curious onlookers to peek into your garage—unless they’re extremely tall. The third section of your garage door (from the bottom) is a good place for windows if you want the ability to look in and out.
• Privacy: No matter where you place garage door windows, you can install frosted glass that lets in light but doesn’t let one distinguish what’s on the other side. Or, two-way mirror glass can be installed so you can look out but not see in. Textured, opaque, and other glass styles are also available.
• Glass Features: The window glass may be plain and simple or add detail to enhance the garage door’s overall design. Glass can be tempered or laminated to increase safety in case it breaks. Insulated glass can help retain heat or keep it out to improve comfort and efficiency.
• Style of Your Home and Its Windows: The windows on your garage door should complement the style of the windows on the front facade of your house. Square-shaped garage door windows may not pair well with arched or oval-shaped glass on your front door. The resulting contrast would look strange. It’s best to use shapes, designs, and patterns that are already in your home. Try to create a sense of harmony.
• Spring Balance: Adding windows to your garage door changes the balance of its weight. Therefore, the spring system can be thrown off balance. Garage door spring systems are calibrated to allow for about a 5% variance in weight. Any significant changes can strain the garage door opener, so you need to change the spring system if you’re installing windows on your garage door.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Windows Are Used for Garage Doors?

Small areas of glass installed as inserts are called garage door lites. Mimicking older window styles, these divide a large pane of glass into smaller parts. There are also lites that are separated by their own structural frame. However, larger areas of glass can be used with garage doors; if desired, a large glass pane can be divided into lites using decorative elements.

Can Garage Door Windows Be Replaced?

Replacing windows on a garage door not originally built with them can be a complex undertaking. It’s easier to replace windows on a door that was originally designed with glass inserts or grilles. Consult with the door manufacturer to learn about your options.

What Window Styles Are Available for Garage Doors?

Garage door windows generally come in a square or rectangular style with a 90-degree angle in each corner, or arched style windows with bottom corners at 90 degrees and top corners with sharper angles. Arched windows are sometimes placed above square windows.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

As Southern California’s leading garage door company, we offer many garage door products with window features. We have highly experienced installers and repair technicians. While garage door windows can be installed in doors that were originally built without them, it’s best to consult a professional familiar with garage door design and the many options available on the market. To learn more or receive a free new door or repair estimate, call (800) 893-1107 today.

A bent garage door can be fixed, but how you proceed depends on the issue. You may be tempted to try a DIY fix as soon as you notice the problem. But is this a good idea? The warranty may dictate what types of repairs must be done professionally. Proceeding with a repair without expertise or a license can risk voiding the warranty. The best way to start is to ask a garage door repair company if you should move forward or schedule an appointment.

You can fix some garage door issues. Some examples include cleaning dirt and debris from the tracks, tightening nuts and bolts, adjusting a bracket, or lubricating springs, rollers, and hinges. But more advanced tasks should be handled by a skilled technician. 

Why Does a Garage Door Bend?

A garage door can bend or dent for many reasons. The most common causes include an impact by a vehicle or sports equipment, falling debris, or hail. An obstruction in the tracks can also bend the garage door. Other causes include contact with power tools or use of improper cleaning equipment.

The consequences of a bent garage door include moisture intrusion (if the weather seal is broken), leading to water damage. A bent panel can also obstruct the garage door opener. Therefore, the door may not fully open or close and can be damaged more by trying to operate it. If there’s a bent panel, you should call for garage door repair right away.

How a Bent Garage Door Is Fixed

A bend in a garage door panel can damage the track, a roller, or a bearing. It can also cause a lag in movement that strains the garage door opener. If a panel at the bottom of the garage door is bent, it can often be repaired without much hassle.

However, if the garage door is bent in the middle, repairing it may take more time and effort. Replacing the entire panel requires removing all the panels attached to it. Extensive fixes can be quite costly and require a professional to replace the garage door.

Fixing a bent garage door can be accomplished in the following ways:

• Hammer Out the Bend: A bend in a garage door can be hammered out if the damage isn’t extensive. Use a soft rubber mallet or block of wood if going with this approach. Place the mallet or wood block on the bend (from behind where it protrudes outward) and hold it tight against the surface. Strike the block lightly. Using too much force will only make the dent bigger.
• Use Suction Cups: Suction cups can be used as an alternative if the dent is small. Place the suction tool over the dented area. The pressure from the suction device straightens out the damaged segment. This method is most effective for metal garage doors. 
• Straighten the Panel with Heat: When you heat a piece of metal, it can take its original form as it cools. First, place a piece of aluminum foil on the dented section. Then, apply a heat source along with compressed air. This quickly heats and cools the panel, which straightens it within a few minutes.
• Fill the Dent: If the door still opens and closes normally, filling the dent is possible. To do so, start by sanding the area. This smooths out any jagged fragments. Then, fill the dented space with an auto-body filler (mix in a hardening agent if the product instructions call for it) and apply the filler. Once it’s smooth, dried, and sanded, apply a coat of paint that matches the garage door (or paint the entire door to match and completely hide the bend).

When Should I Replace the Garage Door Panel?

A technician should replace a bent panel if you can’t fix it.  Replacing a garage door panel requires a few tools, including vise grips, a hand-operated winch, and an impact drill. The vise grips fit under the garage door once it’s set to an adjusted height. The garage door cable must be tensioned with a come-along, which is a type of hand ratchet puller. You’ll need to remove the panel’s hinges and crank the ratchet puller to create a space to remove and replace the damaged panel.

A garage door bottom panel, while more prone to damage, requires a different approach to replacement or repair. Neglecting to repair it can result in damage to the entire system. First, unplug the garage door opener. To replace a bottom panel, a hoist is needed to raise the garage door, and a vise grip is used to hold the cable to the drum. Removing and replacing the bottom section requires many precautions and the hinge bolts holding it in place can be difficult to remove.

We do not recommend replacing a bent garage door panel without the help of a professional.

Contact Us for Bent Garage Door Repair

At Mesa Garage Doors, we specialize in all types of garage door repair. If a door panel is bent, we can find a solution depending on the location and size of the bend and the extent of the damage. Don’t try to fix any garage door issues yourself. Our team of skilled professionals is trained to quickly, safely, and effectively resolve them. To schedule a garage door repair, call (714) 709-2701 today.